424 : Second obstacle to the Silvester family
Das, now a shadow within shadows, treaded the treacherous path that snaked through the mountain pass, the silent sentinel rocks rising high on either side. The half map given by Eden, committed to memory, spoke of the second layer of defense, a ring of carnivorous beasts bound to the will of the Silvester family heirloom spirit. It was a living barrier, one he must cross to reach the heart of the Silvester's domain.
As he emerged from the mountain's throat, the dense foliage gave way to a clearing that seemed untouched by time. Ancient trees, their trunks wide as houses, stood guard around a space that felt both sacred and foreboding. It was here that the air changed, charged with a primal energy that raised the hairs on the back of Das's neck.
For a second Das felt like someone is staring at him in close distance. But even after trying his advanced vision, he failed to see the looming threat.